While Kentucky is famous for its thoroughbred racing horses, Louisville is famous for the place to allow them to race. That place is Churchill Downs located on Central Avenue in the southern part of the city with its Twin Spires rising upward to the sky. Horse racing has been a fixture in the city ever since 1875 when the first Kentucky Derby was raced here. The Kentucky Derby is held the first Saturday in May. It is one of the three major horse races, whereby if the horse wins all three, they receive the prestigious award of the Triple Crown. Acquiring tickets to the Kentucky Derby is by far one of the hardest in all of sporting events. The race known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” requires applications to be submitted the year before to secure reserved seating. For those who are not lucky to get a seat, general admission tickets are offered on the day for $40. Be prepared to stand in the infield and chances are you will never get a view of the race.
If you are not able to attend the Kentucky Derby, don’t despair as there is still plenty to do at Churchill Downs. Two racing meets are held each year at the track. The first one begins a week before the Kentucky Derby and ends in early July and the fall meet begins in October and ends on Thanksgiving weekend. General admission is only $2 to see some of the finest racing horses in the world. If you feel lucky, put some money on your favorite horses and see if you come out a winner. You may win enough money to be able to watch future races from Millionaire’s Row, where the wealthy enjoy the best view in the house.
Also located at Churchill Downs is the Kentucky Derby Museum which is open seven days a week. Admission for adults is $10 with reduced rates for senior citizens and children. The museum contains exhibits honoring all of the Kentucky Derby winners. The highlight of the museum is the 360 degree theater which plays the film entitled “The Greatest Race” and pits the viewer right in the center of the action. Along with the admission, you can take a guided tour of Churchill Downs as well as the Paddock area, where the jockeys are united with their horse before the race.
Even if you are never able to attend the Kentucky Derby, there is still plenty to do at Churchill Downs. From watching the races, placing bets, eating in the world famous cafes, or enjoying the museum, there is something here for everyone.
From journal Father & Son Trip to Kentucky